Thursday 30 August 2007 12:33, UK
New Zealand Cricket will not allow any centrally contracted players to take part in the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League.
New Zealand Cricket will not allow any centrally contracted players to take part in the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League.
The ICL is a Twenty20 competition to be held in India later this year outside the jurisdiction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
New Zealand Test captain Stephen Fleming and fast bowler Shane Bond are believed to be key targets for the ICL organisers.
But NZC has joined their Indian and Pakistan counterparts in taking a hard-line stance on the breakaway competition.
"We have considered this issue carefully and have concluded that New Zealand Cricket cannot agree to release our contracted players to participate in the ICL," said NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan.
"We have entered into these contracts in good faith and stand by our players through their contract period. We expect players to treat us the same way.
"Events such as the ICL could have the potential to compete with official international events and erode their value.
"Added to this, the proposed rebel league is scheduled to directly conflict with the (New Zealand) tour to South Africa as well as the start of our domestic season."
